Safety device for holding,retaining and snuffing out a burning cigarette or cigar



April 29, 1969 c, ABNER I 3,441,030

' SAFETY DEVICE FOR HOLDING, RETAINING AND SNUF'FING OUT A BURNINGCIGARETTE 0R CIGAR Filed April 18, 1967 dW/ Joy/4% 42% United StatesPatent G US. Cl. 131-256 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Acigarette or cigar holder and/or extinguisher consisting of a framemember that can be used separately or attached to or placed in an ashtray wherein the holder and extinguisher consists of at least oneelongated semicylindrical trough presenting an upwardly opening groovefor receiving the unlit portion of a burning cigar or cigarette andhaving a short axial extension consisting of a bimetallic thermostaticmaterial, and a cover for the trough consisting of a similarsemi-cylindrical member arranged to underlie the trough when not usedfor extinguishing, in such a position that an extension of thethermostatic member bears substantially radially against the externalsurface of the cover to prevent a spring attached thereto from rotatingthe cover to an inverted position above the trough and in contact withthe same at mating edge portions thereof. The frame has guide tabs atthe ends of the trough to guide the covers during rotary movement andone edge of the cover includes a radially extending lip for engaging anedge of the trough to limit the rotary travel of the cover.

This invention is a novel device for holding and retaining a cigaretteor cigar which incorporates the novel safety feature of a bi-metallicthermal element means, which upon being heated by a burning cigarette orcigar releases a rotable cover that automatically clamps over andretains the cigarette or cigar in its holder and then automaticallysnuffs-out the burning cigarette or cigar if it is not removed within ashort time.

Briefly, this invention consists of one or more traylike or trough-likeholders for receiving and holding either a cigarette or cigar whenplaced therein, a bimetallic thermal element similarly shaped as andattached to one end of each said holder, and a rotatable cover for eachholder, which is held in its open position rotated underneath itsrespective holder against the force of a spring means that tends torotate and close same, by the frictional force and pressure of saidbi-metallic thermal element while it is relatively unheated and pressingagainst said cover. The cover snaps closed over said holder and over thecigarette or cigar therein to retain and clamp it in the holder wheneverthe said bi-metallic thermal element becomes sufficiently heated by theburning or heated portion of said cigarette or cigar and expandssufficiently to release the cover.

The essence of the invention which constitutes the novel improvement inholding and retention devices for cigarettes or cigars is the aforesaidnovel safety feature consisting of the bi-metallic thermal element whichautomatically holds open, while relatively unheated, or releases, whenheated, a rotatable cover which retains and automatically clamps andsnuffs-out a burning cigarette or cigar.

It is, therefore, one object of this invention to provide a means ofholding and automatically retaining, clamping and snufiing-out a burningcigarette or cigar.

It is another object of this invention to provide a simple light-weight,inexpensive, cigarette or cigar holder with an automatic retaining,clamping and snufiing feature that can be adapted, attached or clampedto or incorporated as a part of any existing or newly fabricated ashtray or cigarette or cigar holding device.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a simple,inexpensive, lightweight positive safety means to automatically retain,clamp, and snuflF-out a burning cigarette or cigar placed in a holder,so that the burning cigarette or cigar when unattended will not continueto burn and drop out of the holder onto furniture, rugs, floors or othersurfaces to cause damage or fire.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a safety devicefor automatically retaining and clamping a burning cigarette or cigar ina holding means so that the cigarette or cigar can be removed therefromwithout damage by simply pulling it out of the holder by its unlightedend.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a positivesafety device which can be used to deliberately extinguish or snuif-outand unattended burning cigarette or cigar placed in a holding means sothat the burning cigarette or cigar may be left therein without dangerand without the smokers attention having to be diverted from otheroperations or endeavors, such as the operation of any land, sea or airvehicle.

A further object of this invention, which is an obvious adaptationthereof, is to provide a simple, positive means whereby any materialthat is shaped substantially similar to the holder in which it is placedor riding, such as any metallic, plastic, or other material rod, wire,bar, strip or other form, can be automatically clamped and/or retainedtherein whenever a heated portion thereof sufficiently heats, orotherwise releases, an automatic means which actuates and releases aretention or clamping means to clamp or retain the material in theholder. Such a device can be useful in steel mills, material handlingoperations, machine tooling, and many other obvious applications, toonumerous to set forth, as a safety device and material holding means.

These and still other objects, advantages and uses will become apparentfrom reading the following description and drawings.

The drawings presented herein, which show the invention, are briefiydescribed as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device constructed in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 device takenalong line 22.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the FIG. 1 device.

FIG. 4 is a vertical, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the deviceshown in FIG. 1 and includes a view of the FIG. 7 mounting means adheredto the subject device.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1device along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing one means of fastening thebi-metallic thermal the the body of the subject device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bi-thermal element with the relativeunheated (closed) and heated (open) positions illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one type of mounting means, anddeformable tab portion for use in mounting the subject device to asuitable supporting surface.

FIG. 8 is an inverted perspective view of another mounting means similarto that of FIG. 7 which is clipped onto the bottom of the FIG. 1 device.

The invention, as generally shown in the aforesaid drawings, will bebetter understood from the following description.

The invention and the subject novel device is generally shown in FIG. 1.This device consists of a means for holding are automatically retainingand/or clamping anything placed or riding therein, as for example acigarette or cigar 2 as illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, itconsists of a generally rectangular, box-like frame 3, preferablyfabricated or moulded from one piece of any suitable strip material,such as aluminum, steel, plastic or other conventional suitablematerial, for manufacturing simplicity and economy, having a bottom 6,upturned sides 4 and ends 5.

The said sides are turned or formed inwardly towards each other acrossthe top of the frame and formed into one or more substantiallytrough-like holders, illustrated as 8 and 9 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Thesetrough-like holders are preferably of a cross-sectional shape that issimilar to that of the material held therein. For example, where thedevice is used for a cigarette or cigar each holder is preferablysubstantially semi-cylindrical and sufficiently elongated to hold thecigarette or cigar. Each holder may either be slightly smaller indiameter than the cigarette or cigar, or be approximately the samediameter, so that the cigarette or cigar will fit snugly therein.

Preferably each side 4, at the same one end thereof, is fabricated,moulded or extended to form a tab, which are respectively shown as 10and 11. These may be used as a fastening means for attaching thebi-metallic thermal elements 12 and 13 to the frame. For example, eachtab may be turned outwardly and pressed backwardly against the side 4 tohold and support stem 14 or 15 of the respective bi-metallic thermalelement 12 or 13 therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5. It isobvious, however, that the bi-metallic thermal elements may be attachedto the frame by any other conventional fastening means.

The ends 5, in the design illustrated, are upturned and cut to a desiredheight, preferably to be approximately equal to the height of side 4.Each half of each end is stamped, cut-out or otherwise formed into across-sectional form 16 which is similar to that of the respectiveadjacent holder overlying it, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The edge ofthis cut-out portion serves to cradle and to provide a bearing surfacefor the respective rotatable covers 17, 18. Each cover is made slightlylonger than the distance between ends 5 and extended slightly past thebearing surface 16 of each end, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The cross-sectional shape of each rotatable cover 17, and 18 issubstantially similar to the cross-sectional shape as its respectiveholder 8 or 9. Where the device is used for cigarettes or cigars, thecovers are preferably substantially semi-cyclindrical in shape, with thelength and diameter approximately equal to that of its respectiveholder. Each cover is designed to rotate and fit over its respectiveholder and to fit over and around the top portion of a cigarette orcigar in the holder, in order that the cigarette or cigar will remainclamped in the holder when the cover is in its closed position. Eachcover is also designed to rotate and fit underneath its respectiveholder when it is in the open position.

Along each end edge of holder 8 and 9, located as desired, butpreferably near the end of each corner thereof, are fabricated, mouldedor formed tabs 19. These tabs are turned or bent downwardly towards therespective end 5 bearing surface 16 into a plane that is substantiallyparallel to end 5. This permits the tabs to straddle and to retaintherebetween each respective cover 17 or 18. This keeps each covercradled upon the bearing surfaces 16. These tabs, however, are notturned or bent against the ends of covers 17, 18 but instead are stoppedshort thereof. This provides sufficient clearance therebetween to permitthe free rotational movement of each cover.

Spring means 20 and 21, of suitable material and design, are looselyattached to each respective cover 17 and 18 at tangs 22 and 23, as shownin FIG. 2 and 3. This loose attachment permits each cover to freelyrotate without the spring hindering the rotation. Each tang 22 or 23 ispreferably located near the outer edge, mid-point .4 of each respectivecover, when it is in its open position. Each spring means 20 and 21 isstretched and attached diagonally opposite to bottom 6 from where it isattached to the respective cover. They are attached to the bottom atrespective tangs 24, 25 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. These tangs arelocated near the outer side edge of the bottom about its longitudinalmid-point. The position of tangs 22, 23 and respective tangs 24, 25 aresufficiently offset from one another so that the action of either springmeans 20 or 21 will not interfere with the action of other.

When spring means 20 is stretched and attached between tangs 22 and 25 apositive tensional force is created which tends to close cover 17 byrotating it counterclockwise over holder 8. Likewise, when spring means21 is stretched and attached between tangs 23 and 24 a positivetensional force is created which tends to cause cover 18 to rotateclockwise and close over holder 9. This action is illustrated by arrowsin FIG. 3, with cover 18 shown both in its open position, rotatedunderneath holder 9, and in its closed position 18', rotated clock-wiseover and covering holder 9. Arrows in FIG. 1 also illustrate therotational action of covers 17 and 18 upon closing.

Each respective cover 17 or 18 is held in its open position rotatedunderneath its respective holder 8 or 9, against the force of itsrespective spring means 20 or 21 attached thereto by the frictionalforce or pressure of projection 26 of the respective bi-metallic thermalelement 12 or 13 being pressed against the adjacent surface of the coverwhile the particular bi-metallic thermal element is in its relativelyunheated state. As the bi-metallic thermal element becomes sulficientlyheated by either a burning cigarette or cigar, or heated portion ofother material, in the respective holder adjacent thereto and expands,the pressure of projection 26 against the cover becomes sufficientlyreleased to a point where the force of respective spring means 20 or 21cause the respective cover 17 or 18 to snap closed. The relativeposition of the bi-metallic thermal element in its relatively unheated,or contracted, and relatively heated, or expanded, states is shown inFIGS. 3 and 6 respectively as 13 and 13.

For some applications, it may be desirable to have a tip portion 27slightly wider than and at the end of projection 26. Such a tip may beturned or bent inwardly towards the surface of the respective adjacentcover 17 or 18 so that the edge of the tip will contact the surface ofthe cover to hold it open while the respective bimetallic thermalelement is unheated and pressing it against the cover.

The area of contact 28 on the surface of each cover, which eitherprojection 26 or tip portion 27 contacts may either be a smooth,roughened or knurled surface, as desired and appropriate. It has beenfound that this area of contact should be either roughened or knurled.This permits a more positive and easier holding by either projection 26or tip 27.

Each rotatable cover 17 or 18 is preferably fabricated, moulded orformed with a substantially right angular lip 29 disposedlongitudionally along the edge thereof which is nearest to bend 7 in theframe 3 when the cover is in its closed position. The mating of lip 29and bend 7 on closure of cover 17, 18 forms a snug, relative air-tightseal to exclude air from any burning cigarette or cigar or othermaterial clamped between cover 17 or 18 and respective holder 8 or 9.The exclusion of air, combined with the condensation or chemicalreaction which occurs causes the burning cigarette or cigar to beextinguished within a short time. This eliminates the danger presentedwhen an unattended burning cigarette or cigar is left in the holder.

Lip 29 is also used as a handle means for the user to rotate the coveropen and cock it open against the holding pressure of the respectivebi-metallic thermal element 12 or 13, when the element is in itsrelatively unheated or contracted state.

In designing the subject device, the substantialy semicircularcross-sectional form of each cover is extended a sufiicient number ofdegrees beyond a true 180 semicircular form. This permits each coverwhen closed to remain partially encircled underneath its respectiveholder 8 or 9 and to remain retained longitudinally by tabs 19. Withoutthis feature, the cover 17 or 18 when it snaps closed would flip out ofplace and escape being properly cradled within bearing surface 16 andbeing straddled and retained longitudionally by tabs 19.

Bi-metallic thermal element 13, which has the same form as element 12except for it being oppositely 01' reversibly disposed in form, is moreparticularly shown in FIG. 6. This shows the main portion thereof to besubstantially semi-cylindrical in shape with a trough-like recess.Preferably the cross-sectional shape of the elements main portion shouldbe substantially equal to th cross-sectional shape of its respectiveadjacent and abutting holder 8 or 9. It should be noted, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, that the main portion of each bi-metallic thermal elementpreferably has a bulged portion 30 near its end, so that better actionand a better pressure contact may be maintained with the surface of therespective cover 17 or 18. A stem 15, as shown preferably parallel tothe nearest side 4, is provided as a part of each bimetallic thermalelement as a mounting leg and support for mounting and fastening theelement to side 4 by either tab 11 or other fastening means.

FIG. 6 further illustrates the relatively unheated, or contracted,position of the bi-metallic thermal element 13, as well as therelatively heated, or expanded, position 13 of same. As the burningportion of a cigarette or cigar, or the heated portion of any othermaterial, in holder 9 comes close enough to the bi-metallic thermalelement 13 to relatively heat it, the element progressively expands. Asthis expansion occurs, the holding pressure of the thermal elementsprojection 26 or tip 27 against the surface of cover 17 progressivelylessens to a point where the pressure is insufficient to hold the coveropen against the force of spring means 21 attached thereto and the coverrotates and snaps closed over holder 9.

The bi-metallic thermal element may be made from any conventionallysuitable material. In fabrication, bend 31, as shown in FIG.1, 2, 3 and6, is preferably made in the thermal element to facilitate it to fitover the edge of the cut-out portion 32 of side 4. Further, stem 14, 15-preferably has a cutout or notched portion 33 to accommodate therespective tab fastening means or 11. Both of these features provides amore rigid support in mounting the element. Shoulder 34 of said notch ispreferably designed to fit against the top of tab 10 or 11 for addedrigidity.

It has further been found preferable when using two holders 8, 9 andrespective covers 17, 18 together that they be in substantially alinedparallel positions and to provide the rotational action of each cover tobe inside to outside, i.e. cover 17 to rotate counterclockwise and cover18 to rotate clockwise.

It is further obvious that the subject device may be made with one orany number of respective holders and covers for use with one or morecigarettes and/ or cigars at a time, without detracting from the spiritand concept of this invention. Furthermore, the respective holder andcover combinations may either be arranged in the same planesubstantially parallel to each other or be stacked or arranged in anyother position as best suits the particular design purpose andapplication.

FIG. 7 shows a means 35 for mounting the subject device. This consistsof a portion of suitable conventional strip material formed with a tabportion 37, which can be easily bent and formed by hand to conform tothe surface shape of any thing upon which the subject device is desiredto be mounted. This mounting means has a support portion 36, which isshaped substantially similar to the underneath side of bottom 6. Thissupport may be attached to the underneath side of bottom 6 by the use ofany suitable conventional adhesive 38, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, or byany other suitable conventional fastening means. Tab 37 may be adheredor fastened to the particular surface upon which the device is mounted.

FIG. 8 shows a preferred alternative means of attaching mounting means35 to bottom 6. This consists of having support portion 36' made into aclip type means of attachment. This is preferably accomplished by havingslits 39 along each edge of support portion 36 leaving clip tabs 40along each edge. The clip-tabs are designed to slip through appropriateopen spaces 43 in ends 5 so as to clip over and above the upper surfaceof bottom 6. Thus, the main portion 41 of the support 36 is clippedunderneath bottom 6 while tabs 40 are clipped over and above the outsideportions of bottom 6. The resilency between portion 41 and tabs 40creates a spring clip-type of mounting which holds the subject device inplace on mounting means 35.

It may also be desirable to make the length of tabs 40 longer than thelength of bottom 6 so that the ends thereof stick out beyond the bottom.They then can be bent or turned down and back under and against bottom 6to form a positive means of retaining device 10 in mounting means 35.

The clip-type of mounting means described above is preferred since thispermits the easy removal of device from its mounting whenever desiredfor cleaning, repair or other purposes.

Tab 37, as shown in the application illustrated by FIG. 4, is deformedby hand to fit the contour of the mounting surface. It is shown hereadhered to the edge surface of any ash tray 40. This particularillustration shows a reverse rolled or ridge portion 41 formed in thedeformable tab 37. This has been found advantageous to give addedsupport in mounting the subject device. However, it is obvious, andsometimes preferable, that no roll or ridge portion 41 be used and thatthe tab 37 be adhered or fastened directly to the inside edge surface ofan ash tray or other mounting surface.

It will also be obvious to those skilled in this, as well as thoseskilled in various other arts, that numerous variations and adaptationsmay be made in the subject device without departing from the spirit andconcept of this invention. Therefore, this invention is not consideredto be limited to or by that illustrated and described herein.

What I claim as my invention is set forth in the following claims:

1. In a device for holding cigarettes or cigars, or other material, thecombination of a frame, at least one troughlike holder which formssubstantially the top portion of said frame for holding a cigarette orcigar, or other material, a bi-metallic thermal element, with atrough-like recess of similar transverse cross-sectional shape as thetrough-like holder, attached to the frame and mounted with saidtrough-like recess juxapositioned next to and forming a longitudinalcontinuation of one end of said trough-like holder, a trough-like coverof similar transverse cross-section shaped as and for each trough-likeholder, mounted to rotate underneath the trough-like holder leaving thetopof the holder open for receiving a cigarette or cigar or othermaterial in its open position to be rotated over and enclose the top ofsaid trough like holder while a portion of the said cover remains underthe holder in its closed position, a. spring means attached to eachcover and diagonally to said frame which tends to cause said cover to berotated to a closed position, and a projection of said bi-metallicthermal element contacting under pressure the surface of said cover,while the element is relatively unheated, to hold the cover open againstthe force of said spring means until said element sufiiciently expands,after being relatively heated by the heat from a portion of a cigaretteor cigar or other material in said holder, and to release said cover torotate and snap closed under the force of said spring means.

2. The same device as claimed in claim 1 wherein more than one holder,respective cover and respective bi-metallic thermal element is alinedsubstantially parallel to each other in substantially the same plane.

3. The same device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trough-like holderand cover is substantially semi-cylindrical.

4. The same device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame issubstantially rectangular, box shaped having a bottom, sides, ends, andthe aforesaid top, all formed of one piece of strip material.

5. The same device as claimed in claim -1 wherein a stem portion of eachbi-metallic thermal element is attached to the frame via a tab fasteningmeans, which consists of an extended portion of the end of each sidenearest to said element bent back and against the side with a portion ofsaid element held therebetween.

6. The same device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said stem has a notchedout portion for receiving a fastening means.

7. The same device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said stem portion issubstantially parallel to side to which it is attached.

8. The same device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the upper portion ofeach end is shaped to be substantially similar in end elevationaltransverse cross-sectional shape as said top, with a vertical andlongitudional clearance space between said top and each end.

9. The same device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rotatable cover inits open position is cradled underneath its holder, with a clearancespace there-between, and each end having a cut-out portion providing anupper edge which in transverse cross-sectional shape is substantiallysimilar to the transverse cross-sectional shape of said respectiveholder for supporting said cover.

(10. The same device as claimed in claim 9 wherein a portion of each endof the holder is extended to form a tab which is turned downwardly to bein a substantially vertical plane and to straddle and to retain therotatable cover, while leaving sufficient clearance between said tab andsaid rotatable cover to permit the free rotational movement thereof.

11. The same deivce as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover has anangular lip portion disposed outwardly thereof and longitudinally alongthe covers edge which bears against the edge of its respective holderwhen the cover is in its closed position.

12. The same device as claimed in claim 4 wherein a mounting means, witha hand deformable protruding tab portion for use in hand conforming to amounting surface and attaching the device to any surface, is attached tothe underneath side of the bottom.

13. The same device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the mounting means isadhered to the underneath side of said bottom by suitable adhesive.

14. The same device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said mounting meansis clipped to said bottom, with one portion thereof shaped to besubstantially similar to said bottom shape with longitudianal slits nearto and along its outer edges leaving a longitudinal tab along each outeredge thereof as a clip portion to be slipped though an opening in oneend, nearest to the end of the frame where the bi-metallic element ismounted, and to clip over the top surface of said bottom while theremaining portion thereof between the said tabs clips underneath thesaid bottom and with the other portion thereof sufliciently extendedbeyond said bottom as a protuding, hand deformable tab, which tab isband formed to fit and is attached to any surface upon which it isdesired to mount the deivce.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,439,351 12./1922 Alsip et al131-257 1,545,535 7/1925 Vickers.

2,005,606 6/1935 Wall 131237 2,267,383 12/1941 Van Norstrand 131-2372,322,604 6/ 1943 Van Norstrand 131237 2,653,616 9/1953 Selgas l312572,716,987 9/1955 Keefe 13 1237 2,957,479 10/ 1960 Cefalde 131257 FOREIGNPATENTS 1,020,000 11/ 1952 France.

661,016 11/1951 Great Britain.

JOSEPH S. REICH, Primary Examiner.

